BREAKING NEWS: Polygamy charge laid against B.C. religious leader

CBC - Canada
Wednesday January 7, 2009

Two members of a religious community in Bountiful, B.C., have been charged with practicing polygamy.

The CBC has confirmed Winston Blackmore and James Oler were charged on Tuesday for alleged offences that took place in May 2005.

Blackmore is considered to be the spiritual leader of the fundamental religious community and is known to have several wives.

Officials have scheduled a news conference for Wednesday afternoon to release more details.

In the past, B.C. Crown prosecutors have been reluctant to lay polygamy charges, for fear they would be fought on the basis of religious freedom.

This article was found at:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/01/07/bc-blackmore-polygamy-charges.html